The issue has also cast a spotlight on traditionally close ties between Pakistan and its allies in the Arab world, particularly Saudi Arabia.

A provincial High Court in Balochistan in November 2014 cancelled all permits for hunting in the province, but the federal government headed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif - a close ally of Saudi Arabia - continued to issue licenses.

Last year the Supreme Court banned hunting of the bird entirely, in a decision welcomed by wildlife campaigners.

Golden eagles are the largest of eagles and can have a wingspan up to 7.5 feet. They've been known to dive upon their prey at 150 miles an hour, which makes them powerful allies in the hunt. Here, an eagle hunter poses with a golden eagle on his arm.